Ramadan 2016: GCC countries observe Ramadan except for Oman

GCC countries observe the first fast from Monday except for Oman, which is likely to announce Ramadan to begin from Tuesday.

Ramadan, the Islamic Holy month of fasting, started yesterday in the countries situated in the Gulf region except for Oman, which will probably announce today.

The new moon was reportedly been sighted by officials from Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of Ramadan.

With the beginning of Ramadan yesterday, Muslims from the concerned countries offered Taraweeh along with the prayers.

The Taraweeh prayers are an extra prayer performed throughout the month of Ramadan (throughout which a Muslim will recite the entire Holy Quran).

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and it begins after the night that the crescent moon of the new month is first sighted. That moon was spotted by the official High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia yesterday, marking the commencement of Ramadan across the GCC (except for Oman, where reports suggest the Holy Month will begin on Tuesday)

In the UAE, the Ramadan Moon Sighting Committee announced that the first day of fasting will be from Monday.

UAE’s Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Moon Sighting Committee, in a statement declared that after investigation, application of relevant Sharia laws, and contacts with neighbouring countries, declaring Monday to be the first day of Ramadan.

Based on several reports from witnesses from different parts of Saudi Arabia that they have seen the new crescent of the month of Ramadan, the authorities decided that tomorrow will be the first day of fasting.

Similar announcement was also made in Qatar.

In Bahrain also the same pronouncement was made.

However, Oman announced that the fasting month in the country will start from Tuesday.

The Moon Sighting Committee in Oman said that the moon was not sighted and therefore the fasting month will begin on Tuesday.

“The committee did not receive any notifications about Ramadan moon sighting, therefore Monday will be the 30th of Sha’aban and Tuesday 7th of June will be the first day of Ramadan,” Omani officials said.

Ramadan Kareem to the people who have entered the Holy month of Ramadan.
May this month bring happiness and prosperity to our lives.
Best wishes from our team.